F.W. Murnau partakes in a great experiment. Filming a vampire movie with an actual vampire. Things don't turn out the way he wants them to.I love this movie. It's nicely paced and the characters are detailed. I totally loved the chemistry between Defoe (as Orlok) and Malkovich (as Murnau). You actually believe there is a tension there. What is really interesting is that they built the story around the simple mythology of Max Shrek. Even though it is a psudonem, the acting of the actor is so great, you really have to ask yourself if there is more to it then just a name. Another the thing that makes the movie is the score. The music mirrors the film music you might hear from 1920's music. The sets are awesome as well as the direction of Herr Merhige, a specialist in silent cinema.
If there is anything bad about it, it has to be the pacing. It starts great at first, but when it gets close to the end, it feels kinda rushed. In story as well. I can easily see this as a three hour movie, but I guess they had limitations and had to work with what they had. Come to think of it, other parts needed to be fleshed out as well.
This is definitely a movie to get for your collection if you are a horror fan. It's also a movie you can put in at any time to impress friends. An essential in the 21st Century.
Four Stars.
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